16 Topa(The Sixteenth Day of the Blessed Month of Tubah)

The Departure of St. John IV, 48th Pope of Alexandria

On this day also, in the year 792 A.D,, St. John IV,
48th Pope of Alexandria, departed. He became a monk in St. Macarius' monastery.
He persevered in intense worship and was reputed for his ascetic life. He was
chosen by Pope Michael, 46th Pope of Alexandria and ordained a priest for the
Church of St. Mina. Pope Michael entrusted him to manage the affairs of the
church and to lead the people and direct all its property and offerings. He
excelled in his duties.

When Anba Mina, 47th Pope of Alexandria, departed, the
bishops, the priests, and the scholars of the City of Alexandria gathered and
nominated several monks. They wrote the name of each of them on a piece of
paper, and the name of Father John was among them. The bishops prayed and
celebrated the Divine Liturgy for three days. Then, on the third day, they
brought a child to draw one of the names. They found it to be the name of this
saint, Father John. They returned the paper, mixed it with the other papers, and
brought another child, who drew the same paper. This was repeated a third time.
They were sure that the Lord had chosen Fr. John to become the next pope. They
took him and ordained him patriarch in 768 A.D. He shepherded his flock well. He
always preached the people confirming them in the Orthodox faith. He was also
merciful to the poor and the needy.

During his days, there was a famine, to the point that
one measure of grain (a Bushel) was sold for two Dinari. Many poor from
different beliefs gathered every day at his door. He delegated to his disciple
Mark to use the money of the churches to feed the poor and satisfy their needs.
He offered to everyone without distinction of faith until God removed this
famine.

Anba John was dedicated to building many churches.
When the time of his departure drew near, he called on the priests and said to
them, "On the 16th of Tubah, I was born and was also ordained Pope, and on this
day also I will depart from this world." When the bishops and the priests heard
this, they wept and said, "Who would become our Father after you?" He said to
them, "The Lord Jesus Christ has chosen my disciple Fr. Mark to this rank."

After he had completed 23 years and several months in the
papacy, he departed in peace.